EP2626737B1 - Supporting member for backlight unit, backlight unit and image display apparatus having the same. - Google Patents

Supporting member for backlight unit, backlight unit and image display apparatus having the same. Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2626737B1
EP2626737B1 EP12189056.0A EP12189056A EP2626737B1 EP 2626737 B1 EP2626737 B1 EP 2626737B1 EP 12189056 A EP12189056 A EP 12189056A EP 2626737 B1 EP2626737 B1 EP 2626737B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
supporting
supporting member
backlight unit
diffuser plate
supporting portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP12189056.0A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2626737A1 (en
Inventor
Byoung-jin CHO
Young-Chol Lee
Hyung-Chul Kim
Keong-seog Lee
Hyeong-Sik Choi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from KR1020120029331A external-priority patent/KR101319537B1/ko
Application filed by Samsung Electronics Co Ltd filed Critical Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Publication of EP2626737A1 publication Critical patent/EP2626737A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2626737B1 publication Critical patent/EP2626737B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1335—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
    • G02F1/1336—Illuminating devices
    • G02F1/133602—Direct backlight
    • G02F1/133608—Direct backlight including particular frames or supporting means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1335—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
    • G02F1/1336—Illuminating devices
    • G02F1/133602—Direct backlight
    • G02F1/133603—Direct backlight with LEDs
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1335—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
    • G02F1/1336—Illuminating devices
    • G02F1/133602—Direct backlight
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1335—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
    • G02F1/1336—Illuminating devices
    • G02F1/133602—Direct backlight
    • G02F1/133604—Direct backlight with lamps
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F2201/00—Constructional arrangements not provided for in groups G02F1/00 - G02F7/00
    • G02F2201/46—Fixing elements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F2201/00—Constructional arrangements not provided for in groups G02F1/00 - G02F7/00
    • G02F2201/46—Fixing elements
    • G02F2201/465—Snap -fit
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F2201/00—Constructional arrangements not provided for in groups G02F1/00 - G02F7/00
    • G02F2201/54—Arrangements for reducing warping-twist

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a supporting member for a backlight unit supporting a diffuser plate in the backlight unit usable with a flat image display apparatus.
  • a liquid crystal display apparatus is an image display apparatus using liquid crystals to display images and is used for various display apparatuses such as a television (TV), a computer monitor, etc.
  • the liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal panel assembly, which includes a backlight unit and a liquid crystal panel.
  • the backlight unit is disposed behind the liquid crystal panel.
  • the backlight unit may be an edge-lit backlight unit which includes light sources disposed on a side of the liquid crystal panel and needs a light guide plate, and a direct-lit backlight unit which includes light sources disposed below the liquid crystal panel and does not need the light guide plate.
  • the direct-lit backlight unit 1 has the light sources 3, which are disposed below the liquid crystal panel, and a supporting member 7 to prevent a diffuser plate 5 and optical sheets from sagging.
  • the number of the light sources may be decreased and the thickness of the diffuser plate may be increased.
  • the shadows 9 of the related art supporting member 7 may appear on a screen 2 due to light L emitted from the light sources 3.
  • US 2007/0103908 discloses a reflecting plate secured to reflecting plate supports.
  • EP2343478 discloses a support pin.
  • EP1881363 discloses a plate being supported by a spacer.
  • US 2006/0171140 on which the preamble of claim 1 is based, discloses a supporting member disposed at the non-emitting region of a surface light source device.
  • One or more exemplary embodiments relate to a supporting member usable with a backlight unit a shadow of which does not appear on a screen of an image display apparatus using a direct-lit backlight unit, and a backlight unit and an image display apparatus having the same.
  • a supporting member as defined in claim 1.
  • a backlight unit as defined in claim 7 and an image display apparatus as defined in claim 11. Further embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
  • FIG. 2 is a partially sectional view illustrating a liquid crystal panel assembly including a supporting member according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • a liquid crystal panel assembly 10 may include a liquid crystal panel 20, an upper chassis 30, a middle mold 40, and a backlight unit 50.
  • the liquid crystal panel 20 displays color images by using light L provided by the backlight unit 50.
  • the liquid crystal panel 20 includes a color filter board (not illustrated) having a color filter layer and a thin film transistor board (not illustrated) having thin film transistors.
  • a liquid crystal (not illustrated) is received between the color filter board and the thin film transistor board.
  • the liquid crystal panel 20 can use a related art liquid crystal panel; therefore, a detail explanation thereof will be omitted.
  • the upper chassis 30 and the middle mold 40 fix and support the liquid crystal panel 20.
  • the middle mold 40 may be formed in a substantially rectangular hollow frame shape.
  • a protruding portion 41 supporting an edge portion 52 of the liquid crystal panel 20 is formed on a side surface of the middle mold 40.
  • the upper chassis 30 is disposed on a top side 54 of the middle mold 40 and is formed substantially in the shape of the letter "L" to fix the edge portion 52 of the liquid crystal panel 20 positioned on the protruding portion 41 of the middle mold 40.
  • the backlight unit 50 is disposed in a lower portion 58 of the middle mold 40 and supplies light L to the liquid crystal panel 20.
  • the backlight unit 50 may include an under chassis 60, a plurality of light sources 70, a diffuser plate 80, an optical sheet 82, and at least one supporting member 100.
  • the under chassis 60 supports the diffuser plate 80 and is formed to have a space in which the plurality of light sources 70 are disposed. Accordingly, the under chassis 60 includes a bottom portion 61 and a side portion 63 extending upwardly from the entire circumference of the bottom portion 61. In other words, the under chassis 60 is formed as a container shape having the bottom portion 61 of the size and shape corresponding to the liquid crystal panel 20. A reflection sheet reflecting light L emitted from the plurality of light sources 70 may be disposed on the bottom portion 61 of the under chassis 60. Also, at least one fixing hole 67 in which the at least one supporting member 100 is disposed is formed on the bottom portion 61 of the under chassis 60.
  • the top end 68 of the side portion 63 of the under chassis 60 is, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , formed to support the diffuser plate 80.
  • the side portion 63 of the under chassis 60 is fixed to the lower portion of the middle mold 40 by securing members (not illustrated) such as screws, bolts, etc. Accordingly, if the under chassis 60 is fixed to the middle mold 40, the diffuser plate 80 is fixed between the top end 68 of the side portion 63 of the under chassis 60 and the protruding portion 41 of the middle mold 40.
  • the plurality of light sources 70 are disposed on or proximate to a top surface 66 of the bottom portion 61 of the under chassis 60. Accordingly, the plurality of light sources 70 are disposed directly below the liquid crystal panel 20 and emit light L to the liquid crystal panel 20. Light emitting diodes LEDs can be used as the light sources 70.
  • the plurality of light sources 70 are disposed on a printed circuit board 71.
  • the printed circuit board 71 may be formed as a single board having the size and shape corresponding to the bottom portion 61 of the under chassis 60. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 11 , the printed circuit board 71 may be formed as a plurality of bar shaped printed circuit boards.
  • the plurality of bar shaped printed circuit boards 71 are arranged at regular intervals on the bottom portion 61 of the under chassis 60 to correspond to the size of the liquid crystal panel 20.
  • the number of the light sources 70 disposed on the bar shaped printed circuit board 71 and the number of the bar shaped printed circuit boards 71 disposed on the bottom portion 61 of the under chassis 60 are properly determined according to the size of the liquid crystal panel 20.
  • the diffuser plate 80 supports the optical sheet 82 and uniformly diffuses light L emitting from the plurality of light sources 70.
  • the optical sheet 82 optically converts the light having passed through the diffuser plate 80 and then supplies the light to the liquid crystal panel 20.
  • the diffuser plate 80 and the optical sheet 82 are the same as or similar to those of the related art direct-lit backlight unit. Therefore, detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.
  • the supporting member 100 is disposed between the diffuser plate 80 and the under chassis 60 to support the diffuser plate 80. Since only an edge portion 85 of the diffuser plate 80 is supported by the side portion 63 of the under chassis 60, the middle portion 86 of the diffuser plate 80 may sag down.
  • the supporting member 100 may be disposed approximately at the center area 84 of the under chassis 60 to support the middle portion 86 of the diffuser plate 80.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a state that the two supporting members 100 are disposed at an approximately center portion of the under chassis 60.
  • that two supporting members 100 are disposed on the under chassis 60 is only one example; therefore, this does not limit the number of the supporting members 100.
  • One or more of the supporting members 100 may be disposed corresponding to the size and weight of the diffuser plate 80.
  • the supporting member 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is formed as a flat plate shape having a thin thickness t.
  • FIGS. 3 , 4 and 5 illustrate the supporting member 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the supporting member 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the supporting member 100 of FIG. 3
  • FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating the supporting member 100 of FIG. 3 .
  • the supporting member 100 according to an exemplary embodiment includes a supporting portion 110, a base 120, and a reinforcing portion 130.
  • the supporting portion 110 is formed of a transparent material in a flat plate shape.
  • the supporting portion 110 can use various materials as long as it is transparent and can support the weight of the diffuser plate 80.
  • the supporting portion 110 may be formed of a transparent plastic or a transparent resin.
  • the supporting portion 110 is disposed below the diffuser plate 80, that is, on the bottom portion 61 of the under chassis 60 and supports the diffuser plate 80.
  • a first end 111 of the supporting portion 110 is in contact with the bottom surface 88 of the diffuser plate 80 and a second end 112 thereof is connected to the base 120, along a first direction 140.
  • the second end 112 may be connected to the base 120 in a different orientation and/or direction.
  • the supporting portion 110 may be formed as a flat plate shape as thin as possible in order to prevent a shadow from being formed by the light L emitted from the plurality of light sources 70 arranged around the supporting member 100.
  • the flat plate shape refers to a plate shape having a front surface and a rear surface which are substantially parallel to each other and substantially flat. Accordingly, as long as the supporting member 100 can support the weight of the diffuser plate 80, the supporting portion 110 may be formed as thin as possible.
  • the supporting portion 110 may be formed to have a thickness t of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, in a second direction 142 which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction 140. If the supporting member 100 is made of a material with a sufficiently large strength, the supporting member 100 may be formed to have the thickness t less than 0.5 mm.
  • the supporting portion 110 may be formed as a flat plate shape having a width W1 of the first end 111 thereof narrower than a width W2 of the second end 112 thereof. Accordingly, the first end 111 of the supporting portion 110 may be formed to have an area as small as possible. For this, the first end 111 of the supporting portion 110 may be formed to be in point contact with the diffuser plate 80. For example, the first end 111 of the supporting portion 110 may be formed to have an area of less than 4 mm 2 .
  • the first end 111 of the supporting portion 110 may be formed as a square cross-section having four sides of 2 mm.
  • the first end 111 of the supporting portion 110 may be formed as a circular cross-section having a radius of 2 mm.
  • the width W2 of the second end 112 of the supporting portion 110 may be formed 10 times or 20 times larger than the width W1 of the first end 111.
  • the width W1 of the first end 111 of the supporting portion 110 is 2 mm
  • the width W2 of the second end 112 of the supporting portion 110 may be from approximately 10 mm to approximately 20 mm.
  • the second end 112 of the supporting portion 110 may be formed to have various sizes of width W2 as long as the second end 112 can support the diffuser plate 80.
  • Opposite side surfaces 113, 114 of the supporting portion 110 connecting the first end 111 and the second end 112 of the supporting portion 110 may be formed in various shapes.
  • the supporting portion 110 may be formed in various shapes as long as the front surface 110a and the rear surface 110b of the supporting portion 110 are a flat plate shape and substantially parallel with each other, a top end or the first end 111 thereof is narrow and a bottom end or the second end 112 thereof is wide, and the opposite side surfaces 113, 114 thereof can connect the top end 111 and the bottom end 112 thereof.
  • the opposite side surfaces 113, 114 of the supporting portion 110 may be formed as a straight line, a concave curve, a convex curve, a step shape, etc.
  • the opposite side surfaces 113, 114 of the supporting portion 110 of the supporting member 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 3 , 4 and 5 are formed as convex curves.
  • FIG. 6A illustrates the opposite side surfaces 113' and 114' of the supporting portion 110 formed as a concave curve.
  • FIG. 6B illustrates the opposite side surfaces 113" and 114" of the supporting portion 110 formed as a straight line.
  • FIG. 6C illustrates the opposite side surfaces 113"' and 114"' of the supporting portion 110 formed as a step shape.
  • the base 120 is formed on the second end 112 of the supporting portion 110 and fixes the supporting portion 110 to the backlight unit 50, that is, the under chassis 60.
  • the base 120 is formed substantially perpendicular to the supporting portion 110 so that the supporting portion 110 is substantially perpendicular to the bottom portion 61 of the under chassis 60.
  • the base 120 can be formed to have various cross-sections such as a circle, a rectangular, a square, etc.; however, in the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the base 120 is formed to have a circular cross-section.
  • the base 120 includes reference surfaces 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 and fixing protrusions 123-1, 123-2, and 123-3.
  • the reference surfaces 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 are formed substantially perpendicular to the supporting portion 110 and in contact with the bottom portion 61 of the under chassis 60.
  • the fixing protrusions 123-1, 123-2, and 123-3 are formed substantially perpendicular to the reference surfaces 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 and inserted into the fixing hole 67 formed on the under chassis 60.
  • at least one of the fixing protrusions 123-1, 123-2, and 123-3 may be formed to have a side surface 124 with a downward slope.
  • the base 120' is formed to include one fixing protrusion 123 and one reference surface 121 as illustrated in FIG. 7 .
  • the base 120 is formed to have multiple reference surfaces 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 so that the base 120 can be used in various types of backlight units 50 usable with various standards of liquid crystal panel assemblies 10.
  • the base 120 may have three reference surfaces 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 formed at locations to which distances d1, d2 and d3 from the first end 111 of the supporting portion 110 are different from each other.
  • the flat image display apparatus 200 may have a variable size gap between the diffuser plate 80 and the top surface 66 of the bottom portion 61 of the under chassis 60 (hereinafter, referred to as a supporting gap) which changes depending on the screen size thereof.
  • the supporting gap of 40 inch image display apparatus 200 may be smaller than the supporting gap of 46 inch image display apparatus 200.
  • the supporting gap of 46 inch image display apparatus 200 may be smaller than the supporting gap of 55 inch image display apparatus 200.
  • the base 120 is formed to include three reference surfaces 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 and three fixing protrusions 123-1, 123-2, and 123-3 so as to support the diffuser plate 80 in 40 inch, 46 inch and 55 inch image display apparatuses.
  • a first fixing protrusion 123-1 and a first reference surface 121-1 of the base 120 are for the 55 inch image display apparatus 200. Accordingly, in the case of the 55 inch image display apparatus 200, as illustrated in FIG. 8 , the supporting member 100 is disposed so that the first fixing protrusion 123-1 of the base 120 is inserted into the fixing hole 67 of the under chassis 60 and the first reference surface 121-1 of the base 120 is in contact with the top surface 66 of the bottom portion 61 of the under chassis 60.
  • a second fixing protrusion 123-2 and a second reference surface 121-2 of the base 120 are for the 46 inch image display apparatus 200. Accordingly, the supporting member 100 is disposed so that the second fixing protrusion 123-2 of the base 120 is inserted into the fixing hole 67 of the under chassis 60 of the 46 inch image display apparatus 200 and the second reference surface 121-2 of the base 120 is in contact with the top surface 66 of the bottom portion 61 of the under chassis 60 thereof.
  • the supporting member 100 is disposed so that a third fixing protrusion 123-3 of the base 120 is inserted into the fixing hole 67 of the under chassis 60 of the 40 inch image display apparatus and the third reference surface 121-3 of the base 120 is in contact with the top surface 66 of the bottom portion 61 of the under chassis 60 thereof.
  • the fixing hole 67 having the size corresponding to anyone among the first, second and third fixing protrusions 123-1, 123-2, and 123-3 depending on the size of the image display apparatus 200 is formed on the bottom portion 61 of the under chassis 60.
  • the reinforcing portion 130 is disposed on the top surface 132 of the base 120 and is formed to support at least one between the front surface 110a and the rear surface 110b of the supporting portion 110.
  • the reinforcing portion 130 is formed to prevent the thin supporting portion 110 from buckling.
  • the reinforcing portion 130 has a first edge surface 150, which extends substantially perpendicular from the base 120 toward the screen 20, and a first end 134 in contact with the supporting portion 110.
  • the first edge surface 150 is disposed at a lower portion 152 of the supporting portion 110 so that the first end 134 contacts the supporting portion 110 at a point which is substantially lower than a half distance point between the top surface 132 of the base 120 and the first end 111 of the supporting portion 110.
  • the reinforcing portion 130 further has a second edge surface 153, which is fixed to the base 120 and extends from the first edge surface 150 along the second direction toward an outer periphery of the base to a second end 136 which is disposed at a distance from the supporting portion 110.
  • a third edge surface 154 forms a sloped surface to connect the first end 134 and the second end 136 fixed to the base 120.
  • the reinforcing portion 130 may be formed in a triangular shape, as seen in the second direction 142, between the supporting portion 110 and the base 120, with two opposing surfaces 158 formed in a triangular shape and being substantially flat and parallel to one another.
  • two reinforcing portions 130 are formed to support the front surface 110a and the rear surface 110b of the supporting portion 110.
  • the reinforcing portion 130 may be formed to support only one between the front surface 110a and the rear surface 110b of the supporting portion 110.
  • the base 120 and the reinforcing portion 130 may be formed of the same transparent material as that of the supporting portion 110.
  • the supporting member 100 may be disposed at approximately a center point or area of the plurality of surrounding light sources 70 to prevent shadow of the supporting member 100 from being formed by the surrounding light sources 70.
  • the supporting member 100 may be disposed at the center of a shape formed by the plurality of nearest light sources 70.
  • the supporting member 100 may be disposed at an intersecting point C of two diagonals 79-1 and 79-2 connecting the four light sources 70-1, 70-2, 70-3, and 70-4.
  • the supporting member 100 is disposed to support the middle portion of the diffuser plate 80.
  • the two supporting members 100 may be disposed at the center portion of the under chassis 60 corresponding to the middle portion of the diffuser plate 80.
  • each of the supporting members 100 is disposed at approximately the center point between four nearest light sources 70.
  • the supporting member 100 is formed of a transparent material in a thin plate shape, light emitted from the light source 70 passes through the supporting member 100 and interference of light due to the supporting member 100 is minimized so that a shadow of the supporting member 100 can be prevented from being displayed on a screen of an image display apparatus. Accordingly, if the diffuser plate 80 is supported by the supporting member 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, although for cost savings the number of the light sources 70 used in the backlight unit 50 is reduced and the thickness of the diffuser plate 80 is increased, the shadow of the supporting member 100 can be prevented from being displayed on the screen.
  • FIG. 12 is a sectional view schematically illustrating an image display apparatus 200 according to an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates a liquid crystal display television as an example of the image display apparatus.
  • the present teaching can be applied to other types of image display apparatuses such as a computer monitor, etc.
  • the image display apparatus 200 includes an upper housing 210 and an under housing 220.
  • the upper and under housings 210 and 220 accommodate the liquid crystal panel assembly 10 according to an exemplary embodiment as described above therein.
  • the backlight unit 50 of the liquid crystal panel assembly 10 may include at least one supporting member 100 supporting the diffuser plate 80.
  • a power board 230 to supply power to the image display apparatus 200 and a control board 240 to control operation of the image display apparatus 200 are arranged on the rear side of the liquid crystal panel assembly 10. Although only the power board 230 and the control board 240 are illustrated in FIG. 12 , the image display apparatus 200 can additionally include other printed circuit boards for other functions therein.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Nonlinear Science (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Planar Illumination Modules (AREA)
  • Liquid Crystal (AREA)
  • Devices For Indicating Variable Information By Combining Individual Elements (AREA)
EP12189056.0A 2012-02-07 2012-10-18 Supporting member for backlight unit, backlight unit and image display apparatus having the same. Active EP2626737B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201261595904P 2012-02-07 2012-02-07
KR1020120029331A KR101319537B1 (ko) 2012-02-07 2012-03-22 백라이트 유닛용 지지부재, 이를 구비한 백라이트 유닛 및 영상 표시 장치

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2626737A1 EP2626737A1 (en) 2013-08-14
EP2626737B1 true EP2626737B1 (en) 2018-08-22

Family

ID=47562951

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12189056.0A Active EP2626737B1 (en) 2012-02-07 2012-10-18 Supporting member for backlight unit, backlight unit and image display apparatus having the same.

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (2) US9128326B2 (ja)
EP (1) EP2626737B1 (ja)
JP (1) JP5616988B2 (ja)
CN (1) CN103244909B (ja)
WO (1) WO2013119005A1 (ja)

Families Citing this family (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2014013690A (ja) * 2012-07-04 2014-01-23 Sony Corp 表示装置
JP6277630B2 (ja) * 2013-08-19 2018-02-14 船井電機株式会社 表示装置
JP2015038828A (ja) * 2013-08-19 2015-02-26 船井電機株式会社 表示装置
JP2015040919A (ja) * 2013-08-20 2015-03-02 船井電機株式会社 表示装置
CN103591555B (zh) * 2013-11-19 2017-01-18 京东方科技集团股份有限公司 扩散板支撑架、直下式背光模组和显示装置
JP6265055B2 (ja) 2014-01-14 2018-01-24 ソニー株式会社 発光装置、表示装置および照明装置
WO2015145645A1 (ja) * 2014-03-27 2015-10-01 堺ディスプレイプロダクト株式会社 表示装置
JP2017146333A (ja) 2016-02-15 2017-08-24 船井電機株式会社 表示装置
CN105629574A (zh) * 2016-03-10 2016-06-01 青岛海信电器股份有限公司 一种直下式背光模组
EP3582207B1 (en) * 2017-02-09 2021-12-22 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Image display device and support pin
WO2018147272A1 (ja) * 2017-02-09 2018-08-16 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 画像表示装置及びサポートピン
US10914985B2 (en) 2017-02-09 2021-02-09 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Image display apparatus and support pin
CN109814293B (zh) * 2017-11-20 2022-03-01 群创光电股份有限公司 背光模块与显示装置
CN107861275B (zh) * 2017-12-11 2024-04-09 苏州精濑光电有限公司 一种全板或半板靠位机构
US10962828B2 (en) * 2018-11-24 2021-03-30 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Illumination device and display using light reflector
JP7275428B2 (ja) * 2019-03-08 2023-05-18 船井電機・ホールディングス株式会社 バックライト装置及び液晶表示装置
JP2021131502A (ja) * 2020-02-21 2021-09-09 船井電機株式会社 表示装置

Family Cites Families (30)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH10326517A (ja) 1997-05-23 1998-12-08 Tama Electric Co Ltd 背面照光装置
TWI255371B (en) * 2003-05-13 2006-05-21 Au Optronics Corp Back light module and liquid crystal display
TW591300B (en) * 2003-06-19 2004-06-11 Au Optronics Corp Backlight module
KR100965183B1 (ko) * 2003-12-30 2010-06-24 삼성전자주식회사 백라이트 어셈블리 및 이를 갖는 평판표시장치
JP4491634B2 (ja) * 2004-01-23 2010-06-30 日本電気株式会社 直下型バックライト及び表示装置
TWI274942B (en) * 2004-03-31 2007-03-01 Hannstar Display Corp Liquid crystal display device and backlight module thereof
JP4696469B2 (ja) 2004-04-30 2011-06-08 ソニー株式会社 バックライト装置
KR101041053B1 (ko) * 2004-07-21 2011-06-13 삼성전자주식회사 백라이트 어셈블리 및 이를 갖는 액정표시장치
JP4543813B2 (ja) 2004-08-04 2010-09-15 ソニー株式会社 バックライト装置及びこのバックライト装置を備えた液晶表示装置
JP4604125B2 (ja) 2004-08-17 2010-12-22 大日本印刷株式会社 面光源装置
KR20060044015A (ko) 2004-11-11 2006-05-16 삼성전자주식회사 백라이트 어셈블리 및 이를 갖는 액정표시장치
KR100609057B1 (ko) * 2004-11-17 2006-08-09 삼성전자주식회사 백라이트유닛
KR20060087646A (ko) 2005-01-31 2006-08-03 삼성전자주식회사 서포트 부재, 이를 갖는 백라이트 어셈블리 및 이를 갖는표시장치
JP4798006B2 (ja) * 2006-06-30 2011-10-19 ソニー株式会社 バックライト装置、液晶表示装置及び電子機器
KR20080007817A (ko) * 2006-07-18 2008-01-23 삼성전자주식회사 확산판 어셈블리 및 백라이트 어셈블리
KR20080038879A (ko) 2006-10-31 2008-05-07 삼성전자주식회사 표시 장치
TWI349813B (en) * 2006-11-09 2011-10-01 Chunghwa Picture Tubes Ltd Flat panel display and backlight module thereof
KR100834892B1 (ko) 2007-01-02 2008-06-03 희성전자 주식회사 형광램프 고정 장치 및 이를 이용한 직하형 백라이트 장치
KR101312684B1 (ko) * 2008-04-28 2013-09-27 엘지디스플레이 주식회사 램프 가이드와 그 액정표시장치 모듈
WO2010044314A1 (ja) * 2008-10-14 2010-04-22 シャープ株式会社 支持ユニット、バックライトユニット、表示装置、およびテレビ受信装置
JP5073832B2 (ja) 2008-11-05 2012-11-14 シャープ株式会社 支持ユニット、照明装置、および表示装置
WO2010100787A1 (ja) * 2009-03-04 2010-09-10 シャープ株式会社 支持ユニット、シートセット、照明装置、および表示装置
JP2010218915A (ja) 2009-03-17 2010-09-30 Sharp Corp シート受具、光源装置及び表示装置
WO2010116937A1 (ja) * 2009-04-08 2010-10-14 シャープ株式会社 バックライトユニットおよび表示装置
CN201954497U (zh) 2010-11-30 2011-08-31 康佳集团股份有限公司 一种支架及led背光模组
TW201331677A (zh) * 2012-01-30 2013-08-01 Innocom Tech Shenzhen Co Ltd 背光模組及包括背光模組之顯示裝置
JP2014013690A (ja) * 2012-07-04 2014-01-23 Sony Corp 表示装置
KR101326299B1 (ko) * 2013-01-31 2013-11-11 삼성전자주식회사 디스플레이 모듈 및 이를 갖춘 디스플레이 장치
JP6277630B2 (ja) * 2013-08-19 2018-02-14 船井電機株式会社 表示装置
JP2015040919A (ja) * 2013-08-20 2015-03-02 船井電機株式会社 表示装置

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US10001670B2 (en) 2018-06-19
JP2013161793A (ja) 2013-08-19
US20150346552A1 (en) 2015-12-03
US9128326B2 (en) 2015-09-08
EP2626737A1 (en) 2013-08-14
WO2013119005A1 (en) 2013-08-15
US20130201663A1 (en) 2013-08-08
CN103244909B (zh) 2015-11-18
JP5616988B2 (ja) 2014-10-29
CN103244909A (zh) 2013-08-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2626737B1 (en) Supporting member for backlight unit, backlight unit and image display apparatus having the same.
US9338905B2 (en) Curved display apparatus
US9746602B2 (en) Backlight device and display device including the same
KR102600982B1 (ko) 디스플레이 장치
US20130258717A1 (en) Backlight unit and image display apparatus having the same
US9261721B2 (en) Display apparatus
US20160026029A1 (en) Display device
US10165678B2 (en) Backlight unit including curved light source unit and display apparatus having the same
KR20090046405A (ko) 액정표시장치용 백라이트 유닛 및 액정표시장치모듈
KR101236892B1 (ko) 스크류 풀림방지기능을 갖는 액정표시장치모듈
KR101319537B1 (ko) 백라이트 유닛용 지지부재, 이를 구비한 백라이트 유닛 및 영상 표시 장치
US10914984B2 (en) Image display apparatus and support pin
US10914985B2 (en) Image display apparatus and support pin
JP5722946B2 (ja) バックキャビネット、表示装置、および、テレビジョン受像器
JP5646001B2 (ja) 直下型バックライトおよびテレビジョン受像機
KR102484865B1 (ko) 표시장치
KR102490166B1 (ko) 표시장치
KR102218044B1 (ko) 표시장치
JP5918338B2 (ja) 直下型バックライトおよびテレビジョン受像機
US20130088651A1 (en) Lighting device, display device and television device
KR102089334B1 (ko) 액정 표시 장치
KR20110066788A (ko) 백라이트 유닛 및 이를 구비한 액정표시장치
KR20170068289A (ko) 바텀커버 및 이를 포함하는 평판표시장치
KR20150081743A (ko) 디스플레이 유닛 및 이를 갖춘 디스플레이 장치

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20121106

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20140718

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R079

Ref document number: 602012050020

Country of ref document: DE

Free format text: PREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: G02F0001133500

Ipc: G02F0001133570

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: G02F 1/13357 20060101AFI20180410BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20180425

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1033164

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20180915

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602012050020

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: FP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181122

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181123

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181122

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181222

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1033164

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20180822

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602012050020

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20181031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181018

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20190523

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190501

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181031

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181031

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181031

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181022

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181018

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181018

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180822

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20121018

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180822

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240920

Year of fee payment: 13

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20240920

Year of fee payment: 13